MEET the schoolboy being hailed the Mackem Messi.

Charlie Smith may be only eight, but his skills have already won him comparisons with Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi, widely recognised as the world’s greatest player.

The football-mad youngster began playing at the Soccarena centre, in Durham City, aged four-anda- half, launching into a competitive career just after he turned five.

In a spectacular three seasons with Redby Reds youth team, he has scored more than 100 goals and created countless more.

Having attracted interest from Newcastle and Manchester City and spurned a contract offer from Middlesbrough, Charlie signed for his beloved Sunderland, where he has been a season ticket holder since he was five.

He signed in January, only days after his eighth birthday – the current minimum age for club deals.

The St Joseph’s RC Primary School pupil, from Gilesgate Moor, Durham City, trains four times a week at Sunderland’s Academy of Light, along with appearing for Redby Reds on Saturday mornings.

He played his first match for Sunderland’s under-nines side on Sunday, setting up four goals in a 7-2 win over Hartlepool.

But despite the comparisons with Messi, Charlie, who is equally talented with both feet, wants to emulate another winger – Black Cats player James McClean.

He said: “I was really happy to sign for Sunderland. I only wanted to sign for them.”

Charlie’s father, Michael Smith – who himself represented England at schoolboy level – said: “We are elated; it’s seventh heaven – a dream come true.

“I would walk to the Academy of Light with him on my back every night just to give him this opportunity.

“A lot of people have said eight is too young, but the coaches say once they are 12, it is too late to change them.”

English-born with a Northern Irish mother and a Dutch grandfather, Charlie’s only dilemma may be which country to represent.

For his mother, Seineade Smith, it has to be Northern Ireland. She said: “We have heard how ruthless the clubs can be, but they are teaching him teamwork and respect too. I say ‘work hard and enjoy it while you can’.”

Charlie’s fledgling career faces an early test tomorrow – a derby against rivals Newcastle.